The Rise of NBA Betting in Canada: What Bettors Need to Know

Betting is not new in Canada. People have been placing wagers for generations on hockey, horse racing, basketball, and soccer. What is new is HOW Canadians are placing their stakes. 

The way we interact with sports has evolved. The internet, mobile apps, and real-time odds are changing how we bet, something we couldn’t have imagined 10 years ago. Now, with everything in our pocket and all the information so readily available, it’s not easy to place a wager, but also trickier than ever. What do I mean?

You need to learn how to place smart wagers. Because today, placing a bet isn’t just about picking your favorite team—it’s about knowing the game, the numbers, and the moments that make all the difference—especially when it comes to betting in the NBA. 

The Growing Popularity of NBA Betting in Canada

NBA betting has exploded in Canada. It’s not just Raptors fans riding the wave since their 2019 title. It’s everyone from casual sports watchers to seasoned bettors finding value in basketball’s fast pace and data-rich environment. 

Unlike football or hockey, basketball offers a tight schedule of events, rich statistics, and constant action. That’s a dream combination for anyone looking to place a well-informed wager.

Legalization and Market Expansion

The actual pivot in Canada’s betting history came in 2021 when single-game betting was legalized. Before that, Canadians had to place parlays—linking multiple outcomes in one bet. Now, betting on one NBA game is not only legal but widely available across all regulated online sportsbooks.

This shift has brought global platforms, such as 20Bet, to Canadian screens, offering better odds, more variety in props, and faster payout options. It’s also given rise to a broader betting culture, one built on analysis, not guesswork.

Impact of Online Sportsbooks

Online sportsbooks have made it incredibly easy to explore NBA betting picks. With apps and websites like 20Bet, you can scroll through live markets, upcoming NBA games, teams, and real-time odds in just seconds. You tap a market, place your wager, and keep watching the game—everything happens fast, in one place, without you missing a beat.

20Bet, in particular, is becoming a go-to for many Canadians thanks to its detailed NBA prop bets, live odds, and ease of use. They’ve also leaned into the local preferences, offering tailored markets and localized banking support.

Influence of Canadian National Basketball Association Fans and Teams

The 2019 championship run of the Toronto Raptors was not just a basketball story—it was a moment of national history. It was the first time in the NBA that a Canadian team was crowned champions. It not only pulled casual viewers but also brought basketball to Canadian homes, inspiring a new generation of fans. 

As more kids picked up basketballs and more households tuned into NBA broadcasts, the interest naturally spilled into NBA betting. And it goes beyond Toronto. Canadians now follow homegrown stars like Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closely, no matter which team they play for. 

This kind of emotional investment keeps fans locked in throughout a season, checking lineups, watching performance trends, and eventually placing player props bets based on what they’ve seen. Just saying, when you’re watching every game for your favorite player, it feels natural to test your gut instincts through a bet.

How to Bet on the NBA Games in Canada

For a bettor like you who is trying live NBA betting, there are a few things you should know first. In the sections below, we’ve laid out some valuable information to help you understand the markets, make smart picks, and feel more confident when placing your bets.

Understanding NBA Betting Markets

There are three fundamental NBA betting markets most Canadians start with:

• NBA moneyline bets: You pick a team that you think will win. Simple.
• NBA handicap betting (also known as a spread): One team is favored by a number of points. The underdog gets points added. This levels the playing field.
• NBA totals betting system: You’re not picking a winner. You’re betting whether the total combined score goes over or under a line set by the bookie.

All of these require a basic understanding of spreads, margins, and expected outcomes. Whatever you choose, focus on stats. Look at recent performances, matchups, and even lineups to help you place your wager.  

Reading Odds and Lines for Basketball Games

In Canada, you’ll usually see odds in decimal or American format. For example:

• Raptors +140 means a $100 bet would return $140 in profit. What you get in total is $240.
• Raptors 2.40 means the same thing in decimal terms. For placing a $100 wager, you get $240 in total if you win.
  

Understanding how to read NBA games’ betting odds is critical. The number reflects implied probability, which is the chance of something happening. Like you say, I am 50% sure this will happen. Reading the odds helps you read the sportsbook’s estimate of how likely a team is to win.

Common NBA Betting Terms Explained

Here are a few everyday terms you should know. They’ll make you sound like an experienced bettor in front of novices and also help you build better NBA betting strategies.

• Parlay: A multi-leg wager. You need all picks to win.
• Prop: A bet on a specific event, like a player’s rebound total.
• Futures: A long-term bet, like who wins the championship.

Most Popular NBA Betting Markets

As a bettor, sooner or later, you’ll settle into a betting type that becomes your go-to. Everyone’s got their favorite. Some don’t even like switching it up because they think it will mess up their luck. It’s kind of like going to the bar and always ordering your usual. Order’s up, nay bet’s served! 

NBA Moneyline Bets, Spread, and NBA Totals Betting System

These are the three most common types of bets: 

• Moneyline: Great for picking a favorite or spotting an upset.
• Spread: Levels the playing field. If Raptors are -6.5, they must win by 7+ for your bet to win.
• Totals: Consider team scoring habits and pace. A Warriors game might naturally trend over 230 points.

Team Props and Player Props Betting

Besides the above, NBA prop bets are also hugely popular among Canucks. You can bet on:

• A team to hit a certain number of 3-pointers.
• A player to score over 25 points.

These are good for fans who follow statistics, know player performances, and can spot soft lines.

Bet on NBA Futures and Outright Bets

To bet on NBA futures, you need to be able to see the bigger picture. Like Adam Sandler in Hustle, betting on the long haul. This isn’t about one night—it’s about season-long predictions. 

Who wins MVP? Which team takes the East? Here, you’re betting on momentum, staying power, and variance over months. It’s riskier, but potentially more rewarding.

Live NBA Betting Strategies

Fast reactions are the way to go in live NBA betting. Making the right call can take a bit of strategy and experience, but you need quick reflexes. With live games, the pace and the odds shift with every timeout, turnover, and three-pointer. You’ve got to be sharp and read the momentum. That’s when the best value shows up! 

How to Take Advantage of In-Game Odds

The idea is to use what’s happening in real time to your advantage. Say your favorite team falls behind early, maybe they’re down by 10 in the first quarter. If you believe they’ll bounce back and you have stats based on their past performances, then that’s the time to bet. 

Why? Because the odds have shifted. You’re getting more value on that same team than you would’ve before tip-off. That’s the edge—it rewards sharp eyes and quick decisions.

Key Factors to Watch During Live Betting

Keep a keen eye on the following, and before you know it, you’ll be the one with killer gut instincts. 

• Injuries: A sudden injury to a star shifts everything.
• Matchups: Watch how defensive schemes affect star players.
• Momentum: Runs happen in basketball. Know when to ride them.

Managing Risk While Making an NBA Live Bet

With live NBA betting, bankroll control is critical. It’s easy to chase losses or over-bet after a good quarter. Set your limits. Stick to your plan. Stay grounded in your analysis, not your emotions.

Key Factors to Consider Before Placing NBA Bets

With the internet at your beck and call, there’s no reason to go in blind. Never place a bet without digging through the data. That’s what’s new in betting. Embracing the digital, access, and options. If you want to be successful betting today, you’ve got to make stats your best friend. 

Team Form and Player Performance Analysis

Understanding trends in performance helps you make better picks. Look for shooting percentages, rebounding, turnovers, and bench production to make an informed bet in any game or on any team.  

Impact of Injuries and Rest Days

Rest is strategic. Back-to-back games? A star might sit. Minor injury? Player minutes might drop. Check lineups and news daily. You’ll be the wiser! 

Home-Court Advantage and Travel Effects

The road is tough in the NBA. Always factor in travel, time zones, and home-court advantages. Some teams dominate at home, while others struggle away.

How to Choose a Bookmaker to Bet on Basketball

There are three major things to consider when choosing a bookie for the NBA and any sports, for that matter. These are: consistent odds, fast payouts, and market variety.

You’ll want to cash out fast after a victory, so you need to know your bookie will honour the commitment. They must be fair in offering competitive odds and give you a range of markets so you’re never short on options.

20Bet checks all these boxes. They’re reliable, easy to use, and their NBA bet tips and live odds are constantly update. From NBA handicap betting to complex parlays, they cover everything.

Responsible Gambling

Betting should never leave you out of control. Use limits, take breaks, and recognise the signs of problem gambling. Many sportsbooks, including 20Bet, offer tools to help manage your activity for free. Use them. Stay in control. Stay well. 

By Kai Iliev

Updated: 09 May 2025, 21:38